Blackbuck:
Over the last five years, the Chhattisgarh government has successfully reintroduced the blackbuck back into the state’s forests through its five-year reintroduction plan.
- Blackbuck is a species of antelope native to India and Nepal.
- Scientific Name: Antilope cervicapra
- It is widespread in the states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, and other areas throughout peninsular India.
- It has been declared as the state animal by the governments of Punjab, Haryana, and Andhra Pradesh.
- The blackbuck mostly lives in open grasslands, dry scrub areas, and thinly forested areas.
- Features:
- It is a medium-sized
- It is known for its beautiful spiraling horns. Only the male blackbucks have these They can grow quite long, sometimes over 20 inches.
- Male blackbucks are usually dark brown or black on their backs and sides. They have white fur on their bellies, inner legs, and around their eyes.
- This creates a striking contrast.
- Young males and females are lighter in color, often yellowish-brown.
- They have very good eyesight and are also very fast runners, which comprise their main defense against predators. They can reach speeds of up to 50 miles per hour.
- They are gregarious and social animals with herds generally ranging from 5 to 50 animals.
- Conservation Status: IUCN Red List: Least Concerned.
